ADM is growing with ISCC PLUS certified consumer products
From agricultural commodities to consumer-facing products
ADM has brought vegetable oils ranging from corn and canola to soybean and sunflower to market for nearly 120 years. They partner with growers to develop and enhance sustainable practices, and for many years the company sold to other businesses rather than directly to the consumer. However, a few years ago, they decided to launch their own food brand and chose ISCC PLUS to show customers that they care about sustainability. Their first brand product, bottles of edible rapeseed oil, carries the ISCC PLUS logo.
Supporting farmers and strengthening traceability
As an international agricultural commodities processor, ADM engages with farmers worldwide, helping growers of oilseeds to improve agricultural practices and support carbon sequestration by following sustainability principles. Trained farm representatives, who are in close contact with the farmers providing ISCC certified rapeseed, offer guidance and support to improve agricultural operations on site. One example is ADM’s work to establish a document archive, including all the documents needed to prove ISCC compliance. This not only promotes supply chain transparency, but also the traceability of raw materials. ISCC PLUS ensures full traceability along the supply chain, all the way to the production of the raw material. Implementing good management practices also increases yields for growers.
Sustainability benefits on the farm and beyond
The positive impacts of ISCC PLUS certification extend further than improved farming practices, important though they are. ISCC Principles of ‘no deforestation’ protect valuable biodiversity that is vital to the planet’s survival. These commitments align with ADM’s pledges on responsible sourcing and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy intensity, water intensity, and landfill use. Mr. Sławomir Rybak from Agrosystem Gościejewo, a farmer supplying ISCC certified crops to ADM, states that “It is surprising that the implementation of the assumptions of the ISCC programme actually does not generate costs, but economic benefits on my farm – use of conservation tillage reduces fuel consumption. I also save on purchase of working parts and use of tractors. In addition, the management of crop residues and sowing catch crops improves the soil structure and increases its fertility, which is a benefit for me and increases biodiversity and the amount of life in the soil, which has a positive effect on the local environment.”
Meeting growing demand for sustainable products
Independent certifications are becoming increasingly valuable to help meet the growing demand for sustainability across different supply chains. Ana Yaluff , ADM’s Head of Sustainability EMEAI, says, “ISCC plays a critical role in working towards a more sustainable world by helping to implement fully traceable supply chains that are free of deforestation. Through the ISCC certification – a robust sustainability scheme with high standards to protect the environment, agricultural resources, and the communities involved – we can offer the market reliable and ethically sourced products that help our customers advance their own sustainability agenda and meet the consumer demand.”
